Boston, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Families in Boston are in for a treat this weekend with a variety of kid-friendly events. Activities include sensory-friendly comic con experiences, arts festivals, and educational celebrations. Highlights feature the Calmer Con, Boston Arts Festival, and a National Honey Bee Month event. Additionally, there are numerous free and low-cost options, ensuring fun for everyone, from puppet shows to outdoor fairs. Whether you’re looking for arts and crafts or an engaging STEM experience, this weekend is packed with exciting activities for families.
Boston
Families in Boston have a wide selection of kid-friendly events this weekend in September 2023, spanning sensory-friendly comic con activities, arts festivals, pollinator education, puppet shows, outdoor street fairs and hands-on workshops. The busiest offerings include a sensory-friendly comic con called Calmer Con, the Boston Arts Festival, and a National Honey Bee Month celebration, with several other performances, fundraisers and craft sessions timed for Saturday and Sunday.
Top events and what to expect
The weekend’s schedule is built around creative, community-focused activities designed for a range of ages and interests. Calmer Con provides a quieter, sensory-aware Comic Con experience intended for children who benefit from reduced noise and stimulation. The Boston Arts Festival highlights local artists and family-friendly displays. The National Honey Bee Month Celebration offers pollinator education aimed at kids and adults alike. The Gathering of the Fairies is presented as an imaginative outdoor activity for young children.
Several ticketed and free events run across Cambridge, South Boston, Brookline and other neighborhoods. Notable scheduled items include Puppet Showplace Theater’s presentation of The Legend of the Banana Kid available on multiple dates for $12, Mural Masters mural-making on Thursday at 1 Kendall Square in Cambridge from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for $50, and Chris Perondi’s dog tricks performance at the Tobin School Auditorium in Cambridge Thursday at 7 p.m. for $23. The Museum of Science is hosting a baseball-themed STEM event labeled Red Sox Weekend 2019 on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with adult admission at $26 and children’s admission at $21.
Free and low-cost family options
Several family activities are free or low-cost. Southie Family Fun Day is a free event on Saturday at Marine Park in South Boston running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring bouncy houses and live performances. The Haley House Annual Block Party is a kid-friendly fundraiser on Saturday with a $10 admission for adults while children attend free, beginning at 4 p.m. Bow Market offers weekly Make-It Events every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for $10 per child, focusing on arts and crafts.
Sunday highlights and special celebrations
Sunday programming includes Artbarn’s presentation of The Rainbow Fish Musical at Coolidge Corner Theatre at 10:30 a.m., with children’s tickets priced at $10.50, and a grilled cheese fundraiser at Loring Greenough House from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. offering all-you-can-eat grilled cheese for adult tickets at $10. Puppet Showplace Theater marks its 45th birthday on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with adult tickets at $60 and free admission for children during the celebration.
Event logistics and accessibility
Times and prices vary by event; some performances and workshops require advance purchase while park-based activities and block parties are often free or low-cost at the gate. Families should verify accessibility information, stroller and seating options, and sensory accommodations where relevant—especially for events such as Calmer Con that specifically advertise sensory-friendly arrangements.
How families can share experiences
Attendees are encouraged to document family outings and community participation using social media tags when sharing photos or highlights. Event hosts may invite social posts that help other families discover upcoming programs and community offerings.
Background and context
September typically brings a concentration of outdoor festivals, educational programs and fundraiser events as families return to school routines and look for weekend outings. This cluster of activities reflects ongoing efforts across neighborhoods to blend arts, science, community support and accessible entertainment for children and caregivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What family events are free this weekend?
Southie Family Fun Day at Marine Park and many block parties or outdoor fairs are free. Some events may have free admission for children while charging a small fee for adults.
How can I find ticket prices and buy admission?
Ticket prices are listed for each event where available. For events that require purchase, families should check the event organizer’s ticketing options or official event listings and buy in advance when possible to secure seats or workshop spots.
Are events suitable for toddlers and preschoolers?
Many events are family-oriented and accept children of all ages, but suitability varies. Puppet shows, fairytale gatherings and some arts-and-crafts sessions are typically tailored to younger children, while festival booths and longer performances may be better for older children.
Are there sensory-friendly options?
Yes. Calmer Con is designed as a sensory-friendly Comic Con with reduced noise and crowd considerations. Families seeking sensory accommodations should confirm details with event organizers ahead of time.
What should I bring to outdoor events?
Bring water, sun protection, appropriate clothing for changing weather, and any comfort items for young children. For ticketed indoor events, confirm stroller policies and seating arrangements prior to arrival.
Quick event reference table
| Event | Day / Time | Location | Price | Notes / Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calmer Con (Sensory-friendly Comic Con) | This weekend (various times) | Boston area | Varies | Sensory-friendly; good for children needing reduced stimulation |
| Boston Arts Festival | This weekend | Boston (various venues) | Varies | All ages; arts displays |
| National Honey Bee Month Celebration | This weekend | Boston area | Varies | Educational; family-friendly |
| Gathering of the Fairies | This weekend | Boston area parks | Varies | Imaginary play; best for young children |
| Puppet Showplace Theater: The Legend of the Banana Kid | Various dates; ticketed | Puppet Showplace Theater | $12 | Family, puppet performance |
| Mural Masters (Mural-making) | Thursday, 5:30–7:30 p.m. | 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge | $50 | Artists and kids; hands-on |
| Chris Perondi’s Dog Show | Thursday, 7 p.m. | Tobin School Auditorium, Cambridge | $23 | Dog tricks; family audience |
| Red Sox Weekend 2019 (STEM baseball activities) | Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Museum of Science | Adults $26, Children $21 | STEM focus; family-friendly |
| Southie Family Fun Day | Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Marine Park, South Boston | Free | Bouncy houses, live performances; all ages |
| Haley House Annual Block Party | Saturday, 4 p.m. | Local block (check event location) | Adults $10, Kids free | Fundraiser; family-focused |
| Bow Market Make-It Events | Every Sunday, 9:30–11:30 a.m. | Bow Market | $10 | Arts & crafts for children |
| Artbarn: The Rainbow Fish Musical | Sunday, 10:30 a.m. | Coolidge Corner Theatre | Children $10.50 | Children’s musical |
| Grilled Cheese Fundraiser | Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. | Loring Greenough House | Adults $10 | All-you-can-eat grilled cheese; family-friendly |
| Puppet Showplace Theater 45th Birthday Celebration | Sunday, 2 p.m.–4 p.m. | Puppet Showplace Theater | Adults $60, Children free | Live performances and activities |
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Additional Resources
- Mommy Poppins: Things to Do in Boston This Weekend
- Wikipedia: Boston
- Boston Magazine: Family Events
- Google Search: Boston Family Events
- CBS News: Weekend To-Do List
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston
- MassLive: Family-Friendly Halloween Events
- Google News: Boston Events Weekend
- Boston.com: Celebrate MLK Day Events
- Google Scholar: Boston Family Events
- Bay State Banner: Free Museum Admission Events
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
